I pray Harry knows what he’s doing

THIS is a much more complete and final cut than I’d anticipated – but perhaps it has been a long time coming.

There was a telling moment in the 1992 BBC documentary, Elizabeth, when the Queen said she accepted the fact that her life was mapped out for her many years ahead. Set in stone, in fact.

And clearly throughout her reign she has had a tremendous ability to do whatever was asked of her.

Her Majesty also said this, however: that even then, some of the younger members of her family did not find it as easy to cope with the rigour of Royal duty.

I was reminded of this interview last night, some 28 years on. Was this a warning of the current crisis, a straw in the wind? I fear so. It is absolutely right that Harry and Meghan should not use their HRH titles as the danger of appearing to exploit them for commercial gain is all too real.

And it is the right decision for them to pay back the £2.4 million it cost to renovate Frogmore Cottage. It has always seemed to be an exceptionally large amount.

They cannot be seen to profiteer on the back of royalty and they do not wish to be seen as a burden on the British taxpayer. The decision to leave the Royal fold is regrettable, however, and I am saddened.

True, this decisive break will at least make them less vulnerable to criticism – of which there has been a great deal.

It also liberates them from what they perceive to be constraints on their existence.

And in many ways it will encourage greater responsibility. They will be obliged to take care of their own financial arrangements. Yet there is a real risk here. All that glitters is not gold.

But by surrendering his position, Prince Harry could lose his allure and appeal – and people could tire of them both.

That is surely a very real danger in the fickle world of celebrity culture. In five years, will they simply be just another tarnished celebrity couple?

I hope they will not come to regret

the decision. After all, Harry was doing a wonderful job supporting the Queen and could have done so much more within the system.

I witnessed him first-hand on tour, and the joy he brings – whether it is in Australia, Africa or the Caribbean.

Locals in St Lucia were so thrilled when he played cricket with the children three years ago, while the work he has done founding the Invictus Games for injured exservicemen has been marvellous.

Harry was an excellent Royal ambassador. Prince Philip and Princess Anne have always been there when the Queen needed them. They have quietly pursued their own endeavours when not required.

They have been very effective Royals and I am sorry that Harry cannot now do the same.

I just hope that his confidence is not misplaced, that he does know what he’s doing. And that this dramatic decision does not prove irreversible. He will be missed.